Abacus Education beyond the Border!

Abacus has caught the eyes of Educators not only in Asia but also all over the world. Today, Abacus is being regarded as “the world’s best mathematics teaching tool”. Here are some reasons for that:

Reasons of Abacus’ Popularity

Right Brain Activation

Quick Calculation Skills

High concentration Skills

Convenience

The shape of Japanese Abacus has gotten the attention of every individual familiar or not of the Abacus. Originally, the Abacus’ frame was large and the bead’s shape is round. During the Edo period (1603–1867), the Abacus became popular in Japan and spreading , it had undergone change was made more convenient for the one using it. It is said that the Japanese Abacus was devised so that calculations can be done at a high speed, and this led to its spread worldwide.

Abacus in Many Countries

Abacus has said to become a hit in these countries: Taiwan, Singapore, China, the United States, Britain, Germany, Poland, Turkey, South Africa … etc., the official number of countries carrying out Abacus education is yet to determine. A variety of Abacus institutions are now actively spreading and exchanging Abacus education overseas. In Europe, specifically Hungary, Abacus class at some elementary schools are held.

Particularly in the Asian countries such as China and Taiwan, the exchange is thriving and it is thought that many students are studying. There are also a number of Abacus classroom in the United States for a lot of Japanese people reside there. In South Africa, a public elementary school actually offers Abacus lessons as an after-school activity alongside playing their traditional game “Crackling”. In Johannesburg, some institutions specifically 35 kindergartens and elementary schools includes Abacus education as one of their extracurricular activity.

International Exchange through Abacus

As the spread of Abacus widens, different competitions are organized not only in Japan but also in the different countries wherein Abacus Education is introduced. These competitions serve as a ground for all Abacus learners to meet and as an international exchange for Abacus Learners and enthusiast. Countries in Asia, America and even Europe takes part in this competition duly organized by different groups and associations affiliated through Abacus Education.

Summary

Japanese Abacus has becoming more and more popular in a number of countries and regions abroad. Even in the advent of computers, people seek ways to improve one’s abilities, one way to accomplish this is through Abacus Education. Abacus seems to spread in the lives of many people with different culture, language and beliefs. Soroban, the Japanese term for Abacus, may not only serve as a computational tool for learning but also a tool that can connect and interact with different races around the world.

Reference: いしど式まとめ from ISHIDO-SHIKI JAPAN
Translate: IPPO Japanese Math School